Stanton Station coal plant to close

Great River Energy intends to retire the Stanton Station coal-fired power plant by May 2017. Stanton Station is located near Stanton in Mercer County, North Dakota, US.

Stanton Station began generating power in 1966 and has a generating capacity of 189 MW.

According to the company this decision has been taken due to the plant being no longer economic to operate with current low prices in the regional energy market.

“Stanton Station has provided dependable electricity to Great River Energy’s member cooperatives for 50 years,” said David Saggau, Great River Energy president and CEO. “The plant’s long and successful record was possible thanks to a talented staff and supportive community.”

“After careful consideration of several alternatives, it became clear that retiring the plant was in the best interest of our member cooperatives,” Saggau added.

Recently, Stanton Station has been generating electricity on a limited basis due to economic conditions. During that time, it has often been more affordable to operate other plants or purchase power from the regional market.

“We are making every effort to minimise impacts on our employees and the community through this transition,” Saggau said. “We are providing Stanton Station employees with a number of support resources and services whether or not they continue working for Great River Energy at another location.”Great River Energy is continuing to operate the Coal Creek Station power plant, which is located northeast of Stanton, and the Spiritwood Station plant near Jamestown.

“We remain a committed partner in North Dakota’s energy industry,” Saggau concluded.

The company has indicated that it is developing plans to decommission Stanton Station in a responsible manner that will safeguard the local environment and assure the safety and security of the local community.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/18072016/stanton-station-coal-plant-to-close-2032/